State Pension: fact vs fiction

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Everyone has a different idea of what they want retirement to look like. Some may be keen to travel to new places – or crack on with DIY that they haven’t had time for before. Others would prefer a quieter life with their loved ones, slowing down after years of hard work.

But changes to the State Pension might affect what life after work looks like for some people – and how they prepare for it.

In April 2026, the State Pension age started rising from 66 to 67. The increase will happen gradually over two years, meaning the State Pension age will be 67 from March 2028.

People born from 6 March 1961 to 5 April 1977 will reach State Pension age at 67.

4 in 10 expect the change to impact their work and retirement decisions, says research by the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement.

Having access to clear, reliable information about the State Pension can make it easier for people to gear up for the future.

So, let’s debunk some State Pension misconceptions.

Separating fact from fiction

FICTION: Everyone knows their State Pension age

The good news is that around four in five people aged 60 to 65 know their own State Pension age.

But in our research conducted back in February 2026, 13% of 60 to 65-year-olds thought it was false that the State Pension age was rising to 67, while 10% didn’t know.

We also know that younger people are much less aware of the State Pension age – likely because it still feels so distant to them. But the bottom line is, awareness isn’t universal.

FICTION: The State Pension won’t exist in future

49% of working-age adults think the State Pension won’t be available for everyone by the time they retire, or they’re uncertain about it. But for the time being, the State Pension isn’t going away – though it’s still important for people to keep up to date with any changes.

While it’s impossible to predict the future, government commitment to the State Pension is still strong. The Pension Commission has recognised the importance of it, calling it “the backbone of retirement for almost every pensioner”.

We know the State Pension provides an important foundation for people’s incomes in retirement, and that 84% of the UK public think it’s an essential role of government to provide the State Pension.

FICTION: The State Pension is enough for everyone to live on

The State Pension provides an important baseline for people, but it falls short of what most need. The Retirement Living Standards estimate that a minimum standard of living in retirement for one person might cost £13,900 a year. The full new State Pension for 2026/27, meanwhile, is only £12,548 a year. So things like private pension savings and Pension Credit (a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age on low income) can make a real difference to people’s income.

FACT: The latest age rise could prompt some to delay their retirement

One in three people aged 60 to 65 who have not yet retired say they plan to work for longer because of the latest State Pension age rise. So State Pension changes can result in people putting their retirement plans on hold.

FACT: State Pension age rises can impact financial wellbeing

In general, people are living longer than previous generations.

Increases to the State Pension age help to make the State Pension more affordable to fund. But there are concerns about fairness.

State Pension age rises don’t affect everyone equally. Those in physically demanding jobs may struggle to stay in work for longer. And people who are out of work in their early and mid-60s are at greater risk of financial insecurity before they reach State Pension age.

We spoke to various people as part of our recent research around the State Pension age rise. Here’s what one man told us:

So, what’s needed?

The State Pension forms a key part of so many people’s retirement plans. That’s why it’s important to clear up any confusion around it and help make sure people can cope with any changes to it.

Here’s what could help:

• The government, media and pension providers should continue to raise awareness about any State Pension change on the horizon, allowing people to make more informed decisions about their retirement plans.
• In anticipation of an ageing workforce, more employers could promote flexible working arrangements and the option for a phased retirement. This can give people the flexibility to stay in employment while also managing things like health conditions or caring responsibilities.
• Pension providers and employers should continue to support people to save more for the long term, as the State Pension may not give them what they need. Many people may wish to retire before their State Pension age, and they’ll need another source of income to help bridge that gap.